Steven M. Griffis

With deep sadness, the family of Steven M. Griffis, 59, of Cozad, Nebraska, announces his passing on October 19, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Steve was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Elton and Adelle Griffis, and grew up in Cozad, where he graduated from Cozad High School in 1984. During his time through high school and at Kearney State, he built lifelong friendships and cherished many memorable moments with his cousins and friends. He went on to attend both Kearney State College and Milford Community College, earning a degree in Architectural Drafting.

After college, Steve began his career with the Department of Roads before returning home to Cozad to help his father with the family farming business. His love for the land and for his community was evident in everything he did.

Steve was a man of many passions. He enjoyed brewing craft beer and, in recent years, took great pride in growing and harvesting his own hops. He was an avid hunter and gun collector, always eager to share stories and knowledge with others. Steve had a special gift for bringing people together—he loved introducing friends and family to new foods, sharing meals, and creating moments of laughter and connection around the table. He loved to talk and spark conversation with everyone he met, and truly never knew a stranger.

Steve married his high school sweetheart, Julie, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. They were blessed with three wonderful children—Cory, Kylee, and Cameron—who were the pride and joy of Steve’s life. He was the biggest fan of his children and loved watching them compete in sports, cheering them on at every opportunity. In recent years, his greatest joy came from spending time with his cherished grandchildren, Beau and Dru Lienemann, who brought him endless laughter, pride, and happiness. Whether attending their activities or taking them for adventurous rides across the farm on his side-by-side, Steve’s love for his family was boundless and deeply felt.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Julie Griffis; sons, Cory Griffis and Cameron Griffis; daughter, Kylee Lienemann (Griffis); son-in-law, Burke Lienemann; and daughter-in-law, Natalie Griffis (Kennicutt). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Beau and Dru Lienemann, along with his extended Miller, Griffis, and Adle families and cousins, who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Adelle Griffis, and his sister, Lynn Griffis, and is now reunited with them in eternal peace.

Steve will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad, Nebraska, on October 24th at 10:30 a.m., with a graveside service to follow. Friends and family are invited to gather afterward at the Meridian Tap House—one of Steve’s favorite places in town—for cake and appetizers (including his personal favorite, fried mushrooms) to share memories and stories in his honor.